ADL Scolds Russell Simmons

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Washington Free Beacon Staff
On
June 21, 2012 @ 4:01 pm
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National Security |
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Hip hop mogul and major Obama campaign donor Russell Simmons was scolded by the Anti-Defamation League this afternoon after he made "excuses for the polarizing anti-Semitic and racist speech of Louis Farrakhan."

Simmons, who was speaking at a forum in Israel, alleged that ADL leader Abraham Foxman was "alienating blacks," and compared his speech to Farrakhan’s divisive rhetoric.

Foxman slammed Simmons for the comparison and for leaping to defend Farrakhan from criticism in multiple interviews over the years.

"Shame on Simmons," Foxman declared in a statement.

"We’ve heard this kind of doublespeak before, so it is not surprising to hear Russell Simmons once again making excuses for the polarizing anti-Semitic and racist speech of Louis Farrakhan," Foxman said in a statement. "He’s been doing that for years."

Foxman expressed shock that Simmons—who has emerged at one of Obama’s chief defenders—would be provided such a forum to spread his hate speech.

"What’s disappointing is that someone who has a history of having a blind spot to one of the most vociferous and ugly anti-Semites would be given a platform in Jerusalem," Foxman said. "And what’s outrageous is how divisive and ugly his attack on us was."